DIY Hydrating Magnesium Oil (with less sting!)

I’m a sucker for convenience and simplicity…and like most of us when something becomes inconvenient it easily gets pushed to the wayside. This is what happened to me when I started magnesium supplementation. At first, in the honeymoon stage, I was gung-ho and used the magnesium religiously. However, because it stung my skin and was expensive within weeks I found myself only using it only on a rare occasion — despite knowing that it was good for me. As with most things in life, if the troubles of performing the task start to outweigh the noticeable benefits away it disappears to be placed on the preverbal shelf of “tried, but forgotten.”

That’s why I was excited when I finally figured out this DIY Hydrating Magnesium Oil recipe (with less sting!) to supplement magnesium that not only took out the inconveniences, but doubles as the daily task of applying body moisturizer.

I always choose to supplement magnesium topically for reasons I explain below and my recipe makes it easy to do. First off it’s pourable…no more clogged broken sprayers, or overspray on your counters. Second it’s affordable, just a few dollars for each batch. Plus is has moisturizing aloe and oils to combat some of the stinging so common with topical magnesium and doubling as a body moisturizer.

With typical magnesium oils consisting of water and magnesium flakes you are still left with applying moisturizer over the oil because it offers little hydration for your skin. So, you have a two step process — which, to me is a huge hassle. However, this DIY Hydrating Magnesium Oil recipe contains moisturizing aloe, jojoba, and castor oil so the second step isn’t necessary – sparing you a few extra minutes in your morning prep.

Having the extra goodies in this oil also stops some of the stinging so common with topical magnesium. However, for those of us that can’t stand any sting here’s my trick. I wipe my skin with a damp washcloth 20-30 minutes after I apply it. Almost all of the magnesium is absorbed into the body after 20 minutes, so wiping it off after that period is perfectly fine. The bonus with this recipe is that your skin is still is hydrated because the oils don’t wipe of with water. Therefore, unlike traditional magnesium oils, you don’t have to apply another moisturizer over the freshly wiped skin. Saving time and money.

Why Do We Need Magnesium?

Magnesium is a very common mineral in which many people are deficient. Due to poor soil conditions, Western diets, and pesticides this mineral is skyrocketing as one of the most common deficiencies. And sadly magnesium is a very important mineral that is needed by all our organs and cells. It is used to help muscles contract, the digestive system to function, protect nerves, and create energy within the cells. Here are some common symptoms of magnesium deficiency: headaches, PMS, poor appetite, cavities, bone loss, anxiety, muscle cramps, weakness and fatigue, high blood pressure, poor sleep, and depression.1

While many of us are deficient in the mineral because we live in a developed country there are certain habits that make us much more susceptible to low levels. Coffee, soda, and alcohol drinkers, over 65 years old, high stress, having leaky gut or other GI issues, post-menopause, taking antibiotics, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and steroids.2

Magnesium is a very big deal to the body and should be on the radar of everyone as a cause for feeling unwell. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or fall into one of the high risk categories you should try supplementing magnesium. If your symptoms improve, then continue with it. Easy!

The reason I always use topical magnesium is two fold, one magnesium is poorly absorbed in the GI tract and two it’s irritating which leads to diarrhea or cramping. magnesium applied to the skin however, is absorbed easily and the side effects are minimal. Some stinging or tingling of the skin is often noticed…I know I notice it at least…and a rash can occur.

It’s important to know magnesium can interact with some prescriptions so always speak with your physician before starting to supplement. Also, if you experience abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, or nausea you have probably given yourself too much magnesium so supplementation should be stopped. Be aware that it is possible to overdose on topical magnesium, although rare, so its best to research the dose you feel would be best for your individual body.

Another way to get more magnesium is through diet. Consume more magnesium by increasing your servings of green leafy veggies, beans, whole grains, and nuts. However, if you’re deficient in magnesium a supplement is going to be needed (along with diet changes) to bring your levels back up to normal.

I hope you find my recipe helpful to not only your body internally but helpful at preventing common reasons we stop using the oil. This ultra moisturizing pourable magnesium oil is a great way to boost your body’s magnesium levels. Let me know how you like it in the comments!